October 27, 2019

Worship

Before We Worship

This coming Lord’s Day we will witness the covenant baptism of Matthias Allan Tiso. It behooves us to consider some aspects of the administration of this sacrament. The matters of the sacrament that pertain especially to Matthias are presented in the catechism lesson of the week. A portion of that lesson is printed in this bulletin. The complete lesson is on our church website.

But as a church, what happens to one member of the church affects us all. And this is especially so with respect to the sacrament of baptism. For this Lord’s Day the covenant sign of baptism not only brings Nicolina and Matthias under its instruction, but it brings us all under its instruction.

The Westminster Larger Catechism Q. 167 asks, “How is our Baptism to be improved by us?” When I first read this question many years ago, I thought it was a blasphemous question. How, indeed, can man improve anything that God has instituted? The very notion that we should find fault with anything that God has done, and then dare to change it, was offensive to me. But, of course, I should have given the Westminster divines more credit. For in the 17th century “improve upon” did not mean make something better. It meant, rather, “to benefit from.” And that is an entirely appropriate and important question: “How is our Baptism to benefit us?”

The answer to Larger Catechism Q. 167 states, “The needful but much neglected duty of improving our Baptism, is to be performed by us all our life long, especially in the time of temptation, and when we are present at the administration of it to others; by serious and thankful consideration of the nature of it, and of the ends for which Christ instituted it, the privileges and benefits conferred and sealed thereby, and our solemn vow made therein; by being humbled for our sinful defilement, our falling short of, and walking contrary to, the grace of baptism, and our engagements; by growing up to assurance of pardon of sin, and of all other blessings sealed to us in that sacrament; by drawing strength from the death and resurrection of Christ, into whom we are baptized, for the mortifying of sin, and quickening of grace; and by endeavoring to live by faith, to have our conversation in holiness and righteousness, as those that have therein given up their names to Christ; and to walk in brotherly love, as being baptized by the same Spirit into one body.”

Yes, it is a mouthful! But we would do well to read it over and slowly, and prayerfully prepare ourselves to worship and to witness Matthias’ baptism. God instituted this sacrament for precisely this reason, that it would draw out of our hearts faith and repentance as long as we live, that it might spur us on to a life of worship and service.

Remember your baptism, Christians! And come and worship with a humbled and joyful hearts!

Call to Worship

‡ Genesis 12:1–3 (p. 8)

‡ Trinity Hymnal #34 “The God of Abraham Praise”

‡ Trinity Hymnal #731 “Doxology”

Prayer of Invocation

The Reading and Exposition of the Law

Matthew 28:16–20 (p. 835)

The Shorter Catechism Q. 95

See here for lesson.

Prayer of Confession

The Proclamation of the Gospel

“And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”” (Acts 2:38–39 ESV)

Trinity Hymnal #512 “I Lay My Sins on Jesus”

Covenant Baptism of Matthias Allan Tiso

  1. Do you acknowledge your child’s need of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, and the renewing grace of the Holy Spirit?
  2. Do you claim God’s covenant promises in his behalf, and do you look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ for his salvation, as you do for your own?
  3. Do you now unreservedly dedicate your child to God, and promise, in humble reliance upon divine grace, that you will endeavor to set before him a godly example, that you will pray with and for him, that you will teach him the doctrines of our holy religion, and that you will strive, by all the means of God’s appointment, to bring him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?

A Question to the Congregation

Do you as a congregation undertake the responsibility of assisting the parents in the Christian nurture of this child?

Presentation of Gifts and Offering

Pastoral Prayer

The Proclamation of God’s Word

1 Peter 1:13–16 (p. 1014)

Holy Children

Rev. Ken Han

The Sacrament of The Lord’s Supper

We participate in the Lord’s Supper weekly. We welcome to the Lord’s Table all baptized believers who have sincere faith in Jesus Christ, and regularly worship in a Reformed or evangelical church.

The Lord’s Supper is a sign and a seal of the new covenant blessings. When we participate in the Lord’s Supper with faith, it strengthens our bond with our covenant Lord, Jesus Christ. Thus we participate properly when we come to our Savior with faith and repentance as we renew our resolve to forsake sin and live for his glory.

The Lord’s Supper also renews our bonds with God’s covenant community, the body of believers in the local church. As we receive the Lord’s Supper, we renew our pledge to give ourselves away in loving service.

During the distribution of the bread we will sing TH #647 “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” stanzas 1–3, and stanzas 4–6 during the distribution of the cup.

Trinity Hymnal #708 “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go”

Benediction

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Growth Resources

Family Devotion for the Week

The October 20, 2019 sermon, 1 Peter 1:10–12. “The Grace of Good News” is available on our church website. You can also catch up on older sermons from our Sermon page and subscribe to sermon podcast here.

Upcoming Events and Notices

Join us for “12 for 19” as we read 12 great books in the year 2019. In October we will read Barbara Duguid, “Extravagant Grace: God’s Glory Displayed in Our Weakness”.

October 26 (Saturday 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM): All men are invited for a time of fellowship and prayer. Please let pastor Ken know if you would like to host this meeting.

October 27 (Lord’s Day): Please celebrate with us as we welcome Matthias Allan Tiso into God’s covenant family with his baptism.

October 27: Catechism lessons for adults (Q. 95) and children (Qs. 9–10) will meet after the worships service.

October 27 (Lord’s Day 6PM): Please join us for a time of devotion and fellowship at the Ligtenberg home. Also November 3, 17, 24. Please let pastor Ken know if you are able to host one (or more) of the meetings.

November 3 (Lord’s Day): Please join us as we discuss Barb Duguid’s “Extravagant Grace: God’s Glory Displayed in Our Weakness.”

Nursery Volunteers

October 27: Michelle Kay

November 3: Yoori Han